Westerholt

Church history and organ artistry

Westerholt Church preserves traces of medieval paintings on its south wall. Its wooden pulpit is also noteworthy: it is one of the oldest wooden pulpits in East Frisia. The church’s history also includes a period when it was fortified. A rampart and moat surrounded it; as a fortified church, it protected the western border of the domain of the Harlingerland chieftains. These details tell of a time when a church building could also serve a defensive purpose.

The organ in Westerholt’s Friedenskirche is another historic highlight. Esens organ builder Arnold Rohlfs built it between 1840 and 1842. The instrument, with one manual, an attached pedal and eight stops, has largely been preserved; Martin Haspelmath restored it in 1988/89. Along with the medieval paintings and the old pulpit, the organ offers a distinct perspective on Westerholt’s ecclesiastical history. Those interested in historic architecture and instruments will find several different points of interest here, rather than just one isolated artefact.

Norderland wind farm and views

The Norderland wind farm is located in the Hammrich area of the municipalities of Nenndorf, Westerholt and Schweindorf. A total of 35 wind turbines, with a combined capacity of 52.5 megawatts, began operating in mid-1998. One turbine designed for visitors has an internal spiral staircase and a glazed observation rotunda beneath the machine housing. The rotunda is 68 metres above the ground. In good weather, the East Frisian Islands and the East Frisian Peninsula can be seen from there. This unusual combination of technical infrastructure and expansive views offers a different attraction from the village’s historical sites.

Explore Westerholt actively

Westerholt has a well-developed network of cycling routes. Those who prefer to travel on foot can explore the Holtriem hiking trail. This circular trail, about 48 kilometres long, connects existing rural roads and passes through the scenic areas of Holtriem. It is well signposted. Families with children can explore sections suited to their abilities, so there is no need to plan the trail as one long hike. Knowing the approximate total distance makes it easier to plan a route that suits you from the outset.

The road layout also offers a practical point of reference: State Road 6 runs east to west, while State Road 7 runs north to south; the two meet at the roundabout in Westerholt. When choosing a holiday apartment, it may help to first consider whether cycling, hiking, church art or the view from the observation rotunda will be the main focus of your stay. These preferences can give your holiday its own focus without requiring you to fit every experience into a single trip.

A Bronze Age trace

A find from Terheide adds an archaeological discovery to the village’s history. On 15 January 1872, Jacob Behrend Braams of Nenndorf found an earthenware vessel containing two gold cups beside Auricher Straße in Terheide. The two gold bowls from Terheide near Westerholt are interpreted as Bronze Age drinking vessels; they may have been used in sacrificial rites. This cautious interpretation leaves open the specific purpose they served, while also making the find a fascinating way to explore the region’s early history.

The gold bowls are still on display at the Lower Saxony State Museum in Hanover. Replicas are held at the East Frisian State Museum in Emden. Those who want to include museum visits beyond Westerholt in their stay can take these two locations into account when planning the rest of their trip.

More local guides: Willmsfeld, Wittmund, Neuschoo, Werdum, Neuharlingersiel, Harlesiel, Nenndorf, Eversmeer.

Back to the main travel overview: Wittmund.